Switzerland

This chapter focuses on two partial and one full policy reversal on nuclear politics in Switzerland since the 1970s. The occupation of the construction site of a planned nuclear power plant in 1975 marked the first turning point in nuclear energy policy, ending a period of pro-nuclear consensus. This protest event led to a ten-year moratorium on the construction of new nuclear power plants. The second partial reversal came in 2003, when the construction of new plants was planned. The third, full policy reversal came after the Fukushima catastrophe, which led to the decision to phase out Swiss nuclear power plants. The chapter stresses two Swiss specifics: the high importance of direct democracy on the nuclear issue, as the issue opposition can launch initiatives and de facto subject any nuclear energy decision to referendum, and the comparatively minor role of the Greens because of their lack of issue ownership.